Hello Everyone,

So Now after months of hitting myself in the brain with a stick deciding LCD or PLASMA :D

I stood in Best Buy today for 2 hours staring at the Plasma panels
(when I looked at the time and saw I had been there 2 hours I was shocked)

I think the Pioneer edged out the Panasonic just by a hair (Very Slight)
(I judged it based on the visible pixelation in the faces, tuned to Discovery HD)

That being said, I know it's NOT worth a $2k price difference

I came into the store to look at the TH-50PX600U for a FINAL DECISION

As I stood there looking at the TH-50PX600U and the TH-58PX600U
I started to feel like the TH-50PX600U was just TOO SMALL ! !
I think it would bug me later that I didn't get the TH-58PX600U

My only concern is that my sofa is only about 10 feet from where the Panel will be
(of course the guy in the Magnolia area assured me that a 58 inch panel would be fine at only 10 feet)

So I am going to get the TH-58PX600U ! !

Now, I started looking around for pricing tonight, I have two questions:

1) Does the fact that B&H is "an Authorized Panasonic Dealer" really mean anything to me?

I know B&H and feel fairly confident ordering from them

2) Does anyone know anything GOOD or BAD about PowersellerNYC

BTW: They are both at least $1k cheaper than everywhere LOCAL for me

I am on the east coast near Philly

THANKS !

Joe

If you're thinking of buying online, I suggest that you check out forum sponcers Invision Displays, Cleveland Plasma & Plasma Concepts, as they've all been pretty highly praised by members here.

Also, you can check potential stores out at resellerratings.com.

Good luck with your purchase.

1) Does the fact that B&H is "an Authorized Panasonic Dealer" really mean anything to me?

I know B&H and feel fairly confident ordering from them


Joe

Hey Joe...

First and foremost, congrats on making a decision. In terms of B&H referring to themselves as "an Authorized Panasonic Dealer"...I'm not sure this is entirely accurate. To my knowledge, Panasonic doesn't have "authorized dealers". In other words, they will warranty their product, regardless of where you purchase it.

If you had gone with the Pioneer, I would be telling a very different story, as Pioneer will not warranty any of their products that weren't purchased from an "authorized dealer". I think Pioneer's policy is beyond absurd, but that's another story, for another day! My advice is that if you're already comfortable with B&H, then go for it. If you feel like you can make a better deal elsewhere (assuming the elsewhere is also a reputable company), then take that route! Good luck with your purchase.

John from Boston

1) Does the fact that B&H is "an Authorized Panasonic Dealer" really mean anything to me?

I know B&H and feel fairly confident ordering from them

2) Does anyone know anything GOOD or BAD about PowersellerNYC

BTW: They are both at least $1k cheaper than everywhere LOCAL for me

I am on the east coast near Philly

THANKS !

Joe

1. Just like above, from what I have read Panasonic does not have authorized retailers.

2. I would be very cautious about this company, there are a lot bad shops that sell out of NY, they are usually small and offer VERY cheap prices online. Most stories I have heard about these online store fronts are horrible. Not shipping unless you order additional products like cables etc. Forcing you to call them after placing an order to confirm (so they can upsell you). Shipping used product etc... Be very cautious and read up on them on resellerratings.com.

3. If you are fairly comfortable with your current e-tailer give them a call and find out about their return policy with large TVs...


At 10' you should be good to go with the 58", I bought one a month ago and my viewing distance is just shy of 11' and I LOVE it!!! My girlfriend who was giving me tons of crap about the size, just yesterday said it kinda looks small now that she's used to it.

I bought mine from ClevelandPlasma (forum sponsor at bottom of page). Chris was excellent to work with from start to finish.

I would always check out a e-tailer at resellers.com. Look at pcandplasma.com. Take your best price and ask your B&M to match or come as close as they can. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

If you're thinking of buying online, I suggest that you check out forum sponcers Invision Displays & Plasma Concepts, as they've both been pretty highly praised by members here.

Also, you can check potential stores out at resellerratings.com.

Good luck with your purchase.


The best way to check out feedback about any vendor is to click up top on search and type in their name. That way you are 100% sure that it is from members of the forum and you will get as much detail as needed and the truth. Some resellers work hard to make sure they do not get a single negative rating on here.

Roman
Invision Dispays - A FORUM SPONSOR

RadnorGuy , where are ya located ? I assume not in the NY Metro area ?
Band H once considered scum, has really become almost the standard. Yes, they push hard for all the "add on" items. Yes, they can be rude and short with you.

Know what you want be adamant that you don't need anything else and your likely ot get a good price.

I bought my 500U last year from a local NJ retailer , not BBor CC. I did much better than those two stores were offering.
Be wise, be smart, if it's to good to be true, well you know the rest ......
Try Chris at Cleveland Plasma, many forum members have given him rave reviews. Stay far far away from TVA ( a forum sponser )

good luck to ya

If you had gone with the Pioneer, I would be telling a very different story, as Pioneer will not warranty any of their products that weren't purchased from an "authorized dealer". John from Boston

I have to note, that yes it is true that it is best to buy from a "authorized dealer" and I am sure these dealer will take care of there clients best, but the bottom line is every product sold in the US and has a US warranty is warranted. Why because the FTC (Federal Trades Commision) regulates these warranties, and I finally found there number 1-877-FTC-HELP. (Call for yourself) www.FTC.Gov

(We are authorized to sell all products we sell.)

I have to note, that yes it is true that it is best to buy from a "authorized dealer" and I am sure these dealer will take care of there clients best, but the bottom line is every product sold in the US and has a US warranty is warranted. Why because the FTC (Federal Trades Commision) regulates these warranties, and I finally found there number 1-877-FTC-HELP. (Call for yourself)

(We are authorized to sell all products we sell.)


I know on the consumer Pioneer displays it is tracked by a serial number and Pioneer will not help you if there is anything wrong and you bought from a non authorized dealer that is not listed on their site. You don't have to take my word for it there are many horror stories on here from people that purchased from a non-authorized dealer and hate to say it but some bad stories even about authorized dealers, just have to do the research :)

Roman
Invision Displays - A FORUM SPONSOR - Pioneer Authorized Direct

I agree with you fully and I did state "Yes it is true that it is best to buy from a "authorized dealer" as I am sure these dealer will take care of there clients best", however I just hate to see people mislead and not know the whole truth. The warranty will be honored, per the FTC. Do not take my word for it, call 1-877-FTC-HELP, that is why the number is there. Also www.FTC.Gov

Becoming authorized is a hard process and then there are rules to follow in the future too. I am not supporting unauthorized sales and I hope everyone buy's carefully, but this AVS Forum is based on information and I feel this should be said.

As far as I know, in the United States, I do not think there is a higher power than the US government, but maybe I am wrong.

Here is to "back on topic".......................

I agree with you fully and I did state "Yes it is true that it is best to buy from a "authorized dealer" as I am sure these dealer will take care of there clients best", however I just hate to see people mislead and not know the whole truth. The warranty will be honored, per the FTC. Do not take my word for it, call 1-877-FTC-HELP, that is why the number is there. Also www.FTC.Gov

Becoming authorized is a hard process and then there are rules to follow in the future too. I am not supporting unauthorized sales and I hope everyone buy's carefully, but this AVS Forum is based on information and I feel this should be said.

As far as I know, in the United States, I do not think there is a higher power than the US government, but maybe I am wrong.

Here is to "back on topic".......................

I am still on hold with them and will find out since this is very interesting. Let me know if you find anything in writing from them since I have not and the main point that would matter to me is that if Pioneer will come out onsite and fix it or replace it. Let me know if you see anything in writing. Here is from Pioneer in writing.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
IF THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED FROM AN UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD STRICTLY “AS IS” AND “WITH ALL FAULTS".
You can find this on Pioneer's web site by searching warranties.

Roman
Invision - A FORUM SPONSOR

I am still on hold with them and will find out since this is very interesting. Let me know if you find anything in writing from them since I have not and the main point that would matter to me is that if Pioneer will come out onsite and fix it or replace it. Let me know if you see anything in writing. Here is from Pioneer in writing.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
IF THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED FROM AN UNAUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND THIS PRODUCT IS SOLD STRICTLY “AS IS” AND “WITH ALL FAULTS".
You can find this on Pioneer's web site by searching warranties.

Roman
Invision - A FORUM SPONSOR


Here it is
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.htm#Magnuson-Moss
I think if they state limited warranty that means my statement above is true.

I think ANY manufacturer mandating a consumer purchase from an "authorized dealer" or else is just plain absurd!!!! The notion that most consumers are even close to being sophisticated enough to "investigate" whether or not a particular retailer or etailer are "authorized" is beyond ludicrous! The average consumer (I'm speaking of the ones who don't visit websites like this, which means MOST!) simply assumes that if someone is selling a particular product, that they are "authorized" to do so!

It is a far easier and more reasonable process for a manufacturer to keep products out of the hands of companies they don't want selling their products than it is for a consumer to conduct an "investigation" every time the mood strikes them to purchase something!


John from Boston

Here it is
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.htm#Magnuson-MossI think if they state limited warranty that means my statement above is true.
Who knows, we need a lawyer to figure it out. At The top of most warranty pages it says limited warranty. All I know is I had a dealer friend tell a client that he was not covered because he bought from an unauthorized dealer and he called the FTC. The FTC called the dealer and had a long conversation with him and within a few weeks they also paid him a visit too.

Who knows, we need a lawyer to figure it out. At The top of most warranty pages it says limited warranty. All I know is I had a dealer friend tell a client that he was not covered because he bought from an unauthorized dealer and he called the FTC. The FTC called the dealer and had a long conversation with him and within a few weeks they also paid him a visit too.


Chris,

Its a good thing we don't have to worry about this :)

Roman
Invision

Hello Again Everyone,

Yesterday was one of those days you just never forget !!

Based on a search here I decided to call 3 companies about buying a TH-58PX600U

Well Chris from ClevelandPlasma got my sale ! Here is a timeline:

1) Call Chris before noon eastern time (Chris lets me know that "I could actually go pick it up myself" REALLY?? What a sales tactic !!)
2) Call Chris back and pay for the TH-58PX600U (after thinking about it and making some other calls)
3) Chris emails me the receipt, and I wait for a call from him that the warehouse is ready for my pickup
4) I go pickup my TH-58PX600U and have it back to my place by 3PM !!
5) WOW... did I really just pay for and get my Panel in like 3 hours??? YEP :D

GREAT JOB Chris !!

All I can say is WOW the TH-58PX600U looks GREAT I am VERY HAPPY !!

If you have the money Don't Even Think About Getting the 50 inch get the 58 !!

I ran right out and bought the Slam Brands Nea Moda Evo 60" TV Stand (CircuitCity real cheap)
I called the manufacturer and they assured me the stand will hold up to 220 LBS no problem
It's Strong & Very Nice, Looks Like a $500 stand, The Chrome goes nice with the TH-58PX600U
I also grabbed a Sony DVD Player DVP-NS75H (I need a new Player anyway and I read that the NS75H has No macroblocking)

BTW: I see no difference between HDMI or Component Playing a DVD

Now I need to buy a new Amp and Call Comcast for some HD programming

I was surprised to see that Panasonic has no mention of the break-in settings in the manual
I have everything set to 0, Is that ok or should anything be set to minus?

Thanks Again Everyone

Joe

I think ANY manufacturer mandating a consumer purchase from an "authorized dealer" or else is just plain absurd!!!! The notion that most consumers are even close to being sophisticated enough to "investigate" whether or not a particular retailer or etailer are "authorized" is beyond ludicrous! The average consumer (I'm speaking of the ones who don't visit websites like this, which means MOST!) simply assumes that if someone is selling a particular product, that they are "authorized" to do so!

It is a far easier and more reasonable process for a manufacturer to keep products out of the hands of companies they don't want selling their products than it is for a consumer to conduct an "investigation" every time the mood strikes them to purchase something!


John from Boston

I think what Pioneer is trying to do is follow the path of Runco, Fujitsu and even the Elite line of products. Simply stating that the "unauthorized" sale and/or distribution of their products will not be recognized. There is an element of uncertainty regarding internet sales in general, and Pioneer is saying that they have done the research and pre-approved these "authorized" dealers, so the consumer can buy from them with confidence.

Congratulation!
What car do you drive in order to fit it into it. I would appreciate if you will let me know of what are the box dimensions.

Joe, Congrats on your purchase. Sounds like you're in love.

Chris at Cleveland Plasma ,disclaimer ---> ( we don't know each other ) but you have done another fine job taking care of a total stranger from this forum.

There should be more people in the service industry like you. I try to run my business in a similar fashion.

congrats to both of ya.

Congratulation!
What car do you drive in order to fit it into it. I would appreciate if you will let me know of what are the box dimensions.
Sorry it took a while to get back to you

The box is 63" 1/2 Long X 22" 1/2 Wide X 49" Tall, These are "tight" measurements, you would need a bit more to get it into the vehicle
I used the company pickup truck with 2 tiedowns, it was rock solid.
You could rent one for $25 to $75 bucks (you could even get the one from Home Depot for real cheap)

Now I am trying to decide on Comcast or Direct TV

Direct TV is planning to add another 150 HD channels this year (someone said a total of 1500 but I don't know for sure)
They have 3 new Birds in the air AND are now using a 5 LNB dish to get all the HD programming

Any Comments on Comcast or Direct TV??

BTW I am about 75 hours into the burn in :D I hooked the PC up to the PC input and set the desktop to 1280 X 1024
(which looked the best as far as keeping the aspect ratio looking like it does on my monitor, Pictures and Video look right, not stretched)
I don't see any over or under scan at that setting and the text looks SHARP, When I maximize a window I can see all 4 sides, The PC Looks GREAT !

I have no complaints so far about this panel, Everyone who sees it is Awed by it
The Picture can be set very bright, or in Cinema mode very subdued

Any Comments on Comcast or Direct TV??

Thanks

Joe

Sorry it took a while to get back to you

The box is 63" 1/2 Long X 22" 1/2 Wide X 49" Tall, These are "tight" measurements, you would need a bit more to get it into the vehicle
I used the company pickup truck with 2 tiedowns, it was rock solid.
You could rent one for $25 to $75 bucks (you could even get the one from Home Depot for real cheap)

Now I am trying to decide on Comcast or Direct TV

Direct TV is planning to add another 150 HD channels this year (someone said a total of 1500 but I don't know for sure)
They have 3 new Birds in the air AND are now using a 5 LNB dish to get all the HD programming

Any Comments on Comcast or Direct TV??

BTW I am about 75 hours into the burn in :D I hooked the PC up to the PC input and set the desktop to 1280 X 1024
(which looked the best as far as keeping the aspect ratio looking like it does on my monitor, Pictures and Video look right, not stretched)
I don't see any over or under scan at that setting and the text looks SHARP, When I maximize a window I can see all 4 sides, The PC Looks GREAT !

I have no complaints so far about this panel, Everyone who sees it is Awed by it
The Picture can be set very bright, or in Cinema mode very subdued

Any Comments on Comcast or Direct TV??

Thanks

Joe

I've been a DirecTV customer for over 10 years and as soon as I move into my new home, I will be switching to cable. On another note, I would be STUNNED if DirecTV adds even 20 more HD channels, let alone 150!!!!! All DirecTV ever does is talk about adding channels! Also, many of their SD channels are simply unwatchable. The non HD Sunday NFL Ticket games are beyond unwatchable (and this is a package that costs over $200.00)!!!!! I'll miss the NFL Sunday Ticket but will not miss DirecTV. The final nail in DirecTV's coffin for me is that they are no longer supporting TiVo and their DVR is a horror show!!!!!

John from Boston

I've been a DirecTV customer for over 10 years and as soon as I move into my new home, I will be switching to cable. On another note, I would be STUNNED if DirecTV adds even 20 more HD channels, let alone 150!!!!! All DirecTV ever does is talk about adding channels! Also, many of their SD channels are simply unwatchable. The non HD Sunday NFL Ticket games are beyond unwatchable (and this is a package that costs over $200.00)!!!!! I'll miss the NFL Sunday Ticket but will not miss DirecTV. The final nail in DirecTV's coffin for me is that they are no longer supporting TiVo and their DVR is a horror show!!!!!

John from Boston

I don't know if I would go that far about their DVR. I have one and I will admit it has had issues. Hopefully after a few more software upgrades they will get most of their issues worked out. However, I am not holding my breath. The DVR does now offer OTA and also local HD MPEG4 channels which look very nice. Almost as good as OTA, perhaps a little softer. Their HD package however, can be very disappointing. The picture quality has been declining for sometime now.

I am hoping this will all get straightened out later this year with the launch of the new satellites. I will never go back to our local cable company (Charter). They make Directv seem like heaven.

Their HD package however, can be very disappointing. The picture quality has been declining for sometime now.



I definitely agree that DTV used to have far better picture quality than they have now. It gets worse with each passing year. I was someone who always swore that I would NEVER go back to cable, but seeing the picture quality on cable versus DTV has completely changed my mind! As far as the DTV DVR, I would suggest those contemplating going this route head over to the DVR forums. There is page after page after page talking about how horrible of a machine this is. As far as the problems you encountered with it...You are not alone. There doesn't seem to be many who haven't had their share of issues. I'd just rather stick with TiVo, as it's a tried and true method!

John from Boston

Someone told me the HD DVR's they are shipping now are ok
(they fixed them and started shipping "good ones" 1st week of Jan.)

My brother was saying the picture was getting worse and I went to his house and his dish was off a little, Now it looks GREAT

Is there anyone here who likes Direct TV ??

Thanks

Joe

Is there anyone here who likes Direct TV ??

Thanks

Joe

Joe...

For what it's worth...I used to be a HUGE fan of DirecTV and was quite anti-cable for many years. As I said, I have been a DirecTV customer (and still am) for over 10 years. At the end of the day, it's just become VERY clear to my eyes that cable is offering FAR more HD content and SUPERIOR picture quality. As I said, I'm an NFL nut and the SD games on the Sunday Ticket would actually make your eyes hurt, if you watched the games. The quality is really that bad! Perhaps when DTV launches their new satellites this year, things will improve. Time will tell!

John from Boston

There's not 150 channels with HD content to put on Directv or any other supplier.

Joe, CONGRATS!!!

WE NEED SOME PICS!!!!
As a friend of mine used to say:

THIS THREAD IS WORTHLESS WITHOUT PICS!!!!

=)

Sorry, I was away for awhile

As Requested: A Picture: http://userweb.nni.com/joeandshelley/plasma.jpg

OK, So Now Where To Buy it?Generally, I shop at Circuit City, which is a local B&M that has a reasonable return/exchange/refund policy. Besides, there are not a lot of options to choose from in smAlbany NY.

QUOTE: At 10' you should be good to go with the 58", I bought one a month ago and my viewing distance is just shy of 11' and I LOVE it!!! My girlfriend who was giving me tons of crap about the size, just yesterday said it kinda looks small now that she's used to it.

Just tell her the TV is still the right size its just that the room it fits in got bigger...She needs to redecorate!